UPTON – Sophomores in the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) Painting & Design Technology program recently had the opportunity to design, print, and install a custom trailer wrap for the Calvinist Cadet Corps. The non-denominational youth ministry organization often serves as a church-based alternative to traditional scouting.

From concept to completion, the project provided Mackenzie Johnson of Douglas, Hannah Gosselin of Douglas, and Hayden Tobin of Hopedale with valuable hands-on experience while showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and teamwork throughout the design and installation process. With guidance from their Painting & Design Technology Instructor, Tom Lamont, the students communicated directly with the customer, coordinated trailer delivery, prepared the trailer surface, and completed measurements before installation began.

To develop their designs, students met with the customer to discuss the organization’s vision for the trailer transformation. Incorporating the various ranks, badges, mottos, and missions of the Calvinist Cadet Corps was an important part of the project.

“We were also given creative freedom throughout the design process,” said Mackenzie Johnson.

After conducting extensive research on the Calvinist Cadet Corps and its mission, the students created a nature-inspired layout featuring various shades of blue and gray. The final design incorporated customer-provided merit badges, ranks, and troop numbers to create a customized and meaningful visual presentation.

The completed graphics were printed on wrap vinyl using the Roland TrueVis wide-format printer. The process also included laminating the graphics with a Royal Sovereign laminator before applying them to the cleaned and measured trailer surface.

“It was not an easy application because the trailer surface was not smooth,” said Hannah Gosselin. “There were many rivets along the sides of the trailer, which made applying the wrap a challenge. We made sure everything lined up perfectly and used heat correctly for a smooth application.

The Painting & Design students said they are incredibly proud of this collaborative community project. The newly wrapped trailer will transport equipment and gear used to support cadets in outdoor skill building, camping activities, and badge work while promoting the organization’s mission throughout the Blackstone Valley.

About Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT):

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. For more information about the school, visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.